The shortage of skilled workers has affected large parts of the German economy. As the new training year begins, the mechanical engineering industry is also feeling the need for qualified young talent.
In German mechanical engineering, many apprenticeship places remain unfilled at the start of the new training year. The reason for this is the lack of qualified applicants, according to the industry association VDMA in Frankfurt.
Only just under every second company (49 percent) was able to fill all of its apprenticeship positions, according to a survey conducted by the association, in which 436 member companies took part at the beginning of September. 36 percent stated that almost all of the positions had been filled. A minority of companies in this important industrial sector are even having great difficulty finding apprentices. One in four companies stated that they would offer more apprenticeship positions if there were more qualified applicants.
“In view of the shortage of skilled workers in our industry, companies and politicians are called upon to continue to strengthen our training system, even in economically difficult times,” said VDMA Deputy General Manager Hartmut Rauen. “Schools must expand and intensify career and study orientation offerings,” he demanded. In addition, Germany, a technology nation, needs a compulsory school subject of technology.
Source: Stern
